Vatha(l) Kuzhambu

Ingredients:
Tamarind water - 1 ½ cups
Manathakkali vatral/solanum nigrum/black nightshade - 2 tbsp.
Red chili powder - 1 tsp.
Coriander powder - 2 tsp.
Salt
Sesame oil
Mustard seeds - ¼ tsp.
Toor dal - ½ tsp.
Turmeric powder - 2 pinches

For powder:
Urad dal - 1 tsp.
Cumin seeds - ½ tsp.
Peppercorn - ¼ tsp.
Fenugreek seeds - ¼ tsp.
Rice - 1 tsp.

Method:
1. Dry roast all the ingredients in “for powder”. Powder them and keep aside.
2. Heat oil and add mustard seeds and toor dal.
3. When the mustard crackles, add the tamarind water & turmeric powder and let it boil.
4. Meanwhile in a small pan, add oil and shallow fry the vathal.
5. When 1½ tamarind water reduces to 1 cup, add the fried vathal.
6. Then add salt, chili powder & coriander powder and mix well.
7. After 2 minutes, add the powder.
8. Mix continuously and remove from heat.
9. Enjoy with hot rice and appalam.

Note:
You can also use sundakkai vatral, cut fresh brinjals.
For variation add garlic and shallots.
Sambar powder can also be added instead of spice powder.

Posted in: Kuzhambu